Only the Winds

  • 131'
  • Lebanon
  • 2020

Not all questions are answered in this hybrid, philosophical film made by a New York-based director returning temporarily to his home country, Lebanon. Karim undergoes eye surgery there and meets friends and family. While recuperating, he dives into research for his next film and takes stock of the state of the country with his entourage as well as with complete strangers – adding a socio-political subtext to what is otherwise a poetic story.

The research leads Karim and his producer, who is also an actress, to characteristic locations in Beirut and beyond. While visiting one location – an institute for the blind – he meets a group of children. They are all but invisible to society. Here, Karim learns to appreciate the art of listening again. The joyful way a blind girl experiences the world moves him particularly deeply. The process gives rise to existential questions. Layered scenes from the film he is planning provide a framework for his personal journey.

  • 131'
  • Lebanon
  • 2020
Director
Karim Kassem
Countries of production
Lebanon, USA
Year
2020
Festival Edition
IFFR 2021
Length
131'
Medium
DCP
Languages
Arabic, English, French
Producer
Johan Matton
Production Company
Changing Film Productions
Sales
Changing Film Productions
Screenplay
Karim Kassem
Cinematography
Mohammad Hissi
Editor
Soha Choucair
Music
Cyrus Shahrad
Cast
Lyne Ramadan, Fouad Mahouly, Karim Kassem, Hind Khadra
Website
https://www.karimkassem.com/
Director
Karim Kassem
Countries of production
Lebanon, USA
Year
2020
Festival Edition
IFFR 2021
Length
131'
Medium
DCP
Languages
Arabic, English, French
Producer
Johan Matton
Production Company
Changing Film Productions
Sales
Changing Film Productions
Screenplay
Karim Kassem
Cinematography
Mohammad Hissi
Editor
Soha Choucair
Music
Cyrus Shahrad
Cast
Lyne Ramadan, Fouad Mahouly, Karim Kassem, Hind Khadra
Website
https://www.karimkassem.com/